The planning for the first-ever HICK Tech started in 2006. At that time I thought I was developing a one-day technology conference. In reality the project has grown into something much bigger. This year I have been asked to speak at four international conferences about the successes HICK Tech has seen. I am also in the process of writing an article for Linux Pro Magazine on the steps it takes to run your own community technology conference. This Web site will continue to host information about the local projects I'm involved with but also the broader ideas of community and rural and technology.

In its new incarnation I will be adding more of my own photographs (and maybe there will be some guest photographers as too). I've started with a photograph of Owen Sound's grain elevators. I have a feeling future photos will include things like power lines and cell phone towers and mill dams and water towers and other definitions of rural and technology. The series is inspired by RG Daniel's photograph of a steer in front of a wind turbine on the Bruce Peninsula. It was the graphic used for HICK Tech 2008 promotional material (albeit tinted orange).

Thank you to everyone that has supported HICK Tech to date. I look forward to growing with you.